How did Croatia win Group D?

by Brian Sanders

If you are wondering how Croatia a nation of 3.8 million and a diaspora of a total 7-9 million is winning a group with Argentina, Iceland, and Nigeria, we have your answers.

Croatia is a former Yugoslavian country that unlike the other countries has continued to qualify for the big tournaments. As a matter of fact that have qualified for every tournament since the 1996 European Championships minus Euro 2000 and World Cup 2010.

While they have a history of qualifying for major tournaments their history of advancing beyond the Group Stages is, like their famous jerseys, checkered. Obviously their third-place showing at the 1998 World Cup is a huge milestone for their program. But they hadn’t advanced past the Group Stage since that time until this edition. They have had more luck with the Euros, making a Quarterfinal appearance in 2008 and out of the Round of 16 in 2016. But they have still yet to claim any sort of silverware despite featuring some of the best players in the world.

So who is to blame? That is usually the federation which will at times cause the fans to not be behind the team. But lets stay positive, after all only three teams won each of their group matches at this tournament and of the three Croatia had the more difficult group.

A reason for the squad making this achievement is simple, having a charismatic leader like Luka Modric.

Take this man out of Real Madrid and more than likely one or two of the Champions League titles in the last few years are not earned because of his unselfish and creative play. With Croatia he is smack dab the guy running a midfield that has been phenomenal throughout this tournament. Also regarding that goal against Argentina, you can’t ask for a better goal than that at the end of a draining game.

Thing is Modric isn’t alone in the midfield. Of course who can forget Ivan Rakitic. In a deeper role than what he plays with Barcelona Ivan has been as great as you can ask for. Against Argentina he had the tap in goal but also hit the woodwork. His passing in that match alone opened up the Argentine team like opening a can of beans. His timing and knowledge of where everyone on the pitch has been why against both Nigeria and Argentina the Croats were never in any doubt as to how the result would go.

Defensively there is a lot to be desired by any club or country. The back four has been one that would probably win most team championships. A full line change occurred for the Iceland match but Argentina and all their weapons was shut down as was a young and athletic Nigerian side.

Specifically against Nigeria everything was seen and the squad versatility against Iceland was on display as there were eight changes for the third match. Iceland gave Nigeria and Argentina fits. In 2016 they upset the odds as well. But against Croatia they were shown to be second rate in all things.

Primarily folks will remember this Croatia side for their second group stage match, a 3-0 victory over Argentina.

In this match the first half was rugged, chippy, and more boxing match than watching soccer. Thing was Croatia can take on any physicality that is thrown at them. And then they hit back, but if you eliminate the first goal, still was a domination.

[Tactical talk: Argentina architects of own downfall in 3-0 loss to Croatia]

Watching the third goal go in you see how the team was organized defensively and was more than happy to give Argentina the ball as they tried to fine an illusive goal. They conceded possession and almost like they were Germany beating Brazil 7-1 they pounced and showed that they were merely toying with Argentine hearts and that if they wished that the result could be so much more humiliating.

Up next is Denmark a team who will like Iceland be happy to play tough in the Round of 16. But this Croatian side, like 1998, is set for a great run from a country that despite its size outperforms and can never be counted out.